Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hydrogen has the potential to be Queenland next LNG and a new source of highly-skilled jobs, especially in regional Queensland.

“In the 60s it was about the space race. This century is all about energy. Queensland is at the forefront of hydrogen development. We aim to keep it that way,” she said.

The new hydrogen strategy focuses on five areas: supporting innovation, facilitating private investment, effective policy frameworks, building community awareness and facilitating skills development.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the state’s investment – $15m of which will support an industry development fund – will ensure the growth of a hydrogen industry in Queensland.

“Our five-year plan will help drive the development of an economically sustainable and competitive hydrogen industry in Queensland, creating more highly skilled jobs and export opportunities,” Dick said.

“The energy production from renewable hydrogen is something that has long been possible, however, conditions are now more favourable for this industry to develop locally.”

“Global demand for hydrogen is increasing, with the market expected to reach US$155bn by 2022, and much of that will be driven by Asia-Pacific markets.”

“I’m confident that in partnership with industry, universities and research institutes, we can develop a world-class renewable hydrogen industry here in Queensland.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Queensland’s vision was to be at the forefront of renewable hydrogen production by 2030, and the strategy will assist in achieving this goal.

“Our state has all the pre-requisites needed to support a renewable hydrogen industry, including solar, wind and biomass, a pro-business government, existing gas pipeline infrastructure, and first-class export facilities, and we’re eager to take advantage of our position.”

Dick said Queensland is already active in the development of Australia’s national hydrogen strategy.

The development of a sustainable hydrogen industry has the potential to be as successful as the state’s LNG industry.

Earlier this week, the Premier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with resources investment group Japan, Oil, Gas and Metals Corp (JOGMEC) to include continued co-operation developing hydrogen.

“Japan is emerging as one of the major future users of hydrogen energy and its car industry has developed several hydrogen-powered cars,” Dick said.

“In March 2019, Queensland celebrated its first-ever delivery of green hydrogen to Japan, exported by JXTG with hydrogen produced at QUT’s solar cell facility at the Queensland Government’s Redlands Research Facility.

“Next week, I’ll be meeting with business leaders and energy companies in Tokyo.”

“Our challenge is to leverage our advantages and innovation to make the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen possible and ensure Queensland continues to be a first-class supplier of energy.”